CeF3-ZnO scintillating nanocomposite for self-lighted photodynamic therapy of cancer

Abstract

We report on the synthesis and characterization of a composite nanostructure based on the coupling of cerium fluoride (CeF3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) for applications in self-lighted photodynamic therapy. Self-lighted photodynamic therapy is a novel approach for the treatment of deep cancers by low doses of X-rays. CeF3 is an efficient scintillator: when illuminated by X-rays it emits UV light by fluorescence at 325 nm. In this work, we simulate this effect by exciting directly CeF3 fluorescence by UV radiation. ZnO is photo-activated in cascade, to produce reactive oxygen species. This effect was recently demonstrated in a physical mixture of distinct nanoparticles of CeF3 and ZnO [Radiat. Meas. (2013) 59:139-143]. Oxide surface provides a platform for rational functionalization, e.g., by targeting molecules for specific tumors. Our composite nanostructure is stable in aqueous media with excellent optical coupling between the two components; we characterize its uptake and its good cell viability, with very low intrinsic cytotoxicity in dark.

Enhanced Room‐Temperature Ferromagnetism in Composite CeO2/CeF3 Nanoparticles

“…Composite nanoparticles based on the CeO 2 or CeF 3 are promising materials for catalytic or biomedical applications. For example, recently CeF 3 /CeO 2 composite nanoparticles were synthesized by different techniques and were proposed as potential material as highly efficient photocatalyst, CeF 3 /ZnO nanoparticles synthesized, and proposed for applications in novel self‐lighted photodynamic therapy . The same application may be supposed for CeF 3 /CeO 2 composite nanoparticles.…”

Radiation Dose‐Enhancement Is a Potent Radiotherapeutic Effect of Rare‐Earth Composite Nanoscintillators in Preclinical Models of Glioblastoma

“…Recent proofof-concept studies using nanoscintillator-photosensitizer conjugates demonstrated that this combinatory approach has a strong therapeutic potential in vitro and in vivo. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Biomedical applications of nanoscintillators are currently mostly centered on this concept of radioluminescence-induced PDT. However, factors by which nanoscintillators can augment radiotherapy outcomes also include a potential synergism with radiotherapy [25] and the use of nanoscintillators that emit UV-C photons to expand the amount and types of DNA damage induced during radiotherapy.…”

Progress in Nanocarriers Codelivery System to Enhance the Anticancer Effect of Photodynamic Therapy

“…This strategy can also produce good therapeutic effects for deep tumors [179], and the therapeutic effect depends to some extent on the energy transfer efficiency of the scintillator. The primary choices of scintillators are rare earth materials [180][181][182] with high photon conversion rates and some metallic materials [183], in addition to a few nonmetallic materials [184] and even quantum dots [185].…”